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Anacortes Sister Cities Association
Newsletter
DECEMBER, 2006
From the President
By
There's Just Something About...
Often, I shake my head in wonder regarding the events and experiences that our intrepid group of ASCA folks are up to. Either we haven't figured out how to avoid such things, or we simply get a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction from doing things that result in a rich cultural experience and the making of new international friends.
There's just something about the mission of ASCA that keeps us coming back for more.
There's just something about this group of folks that makes us want to explore more and more creative ways to enlighten our international peace seeking relationships.
There's just something about the energy and motivation of the leaders of this band that continues to motivate me. Are these folks always in agreement? Not always. Are there different opinions about policy and process? Indeed.! Is that a good thing? Absolutely! Is everything we attempt to do successful? Not exactly! Are all of ASCA's leaders driven to make ASCA more successful? Beyond a doubt, there's just something about this group.
There's just something about ASCA's members who continue to have faith in our mission, and our leaders who continue to contribute in so many ways to ensure success, and who are proud ambassadors of ASCA at home and in foreign lands.
There's just something about our Mayor and City Council who gladly continue to provide our official nest. Of course, it is more than just official support, with some joining us for functions and travel.
There's just something about the wonderful cast of characters around the world with whom we've become as close as family.
There's just something about the notion that 2007 offers more of the delight, joy, fun, stimulation, and challenge that we've experienced in 2006 and before.
So, as I've said before, BYSB, and get ready for another great ride.
Christmas Parade
Hi, Folks:
It seems that the weather has created some "Parade Havoc" this year. If you have not heard, the folks in
The Sidney Sister Cities folks who were coming to Anacortes for our parade decided that the weather unknowns seemed to indicate that travel to Anacortes didn't make sense, so they are not coming this way.
That being the case, we've decided that ASCA will wait until next year as well. I hope you are able to attend the parade, but for this one, there will be no official ASCA entry. See you at our December 7 ASCA Dinner in the
From the Vice President
By John Lovric
It has been a busy year and particularly a busy summer. I can't believe how much we have accomplished. We had students from Croatia here in early summer; there were fund raisers and language courses for the four students we sent to Croatia; My family and I went to Italy, Greece, and Croatia, and arrived back in time for the golf tournament. If that wasn't enough for you to swallow, we were still in the final stages of planning for hosting the 34 member Kumpanija and Klapa groups, which, I might add, was an impressive finish to a long summer.
As a part of the Vela Luka committee, I was very involved in all of our exchanges, particularly with the Kumpanija performances. It took a lot of planning and I thank everyone for your patience in this process. It can be a little overwhelming when you are being asked questions from about 60 different people. Sometimes I didn't know if I was speaking Croatian or English.
We are always thinking of different projects to do, and the rich culture of
Vela Luka
By Nikki Louric Vela Luka ASCA Chair
WOW! That word sums up my whole summer! All I can say is that I am so proud to be a part of the Anacortes Sister Cities Association... This year has gone by too fast and when
The summer started for my family with a trip to
As soon as that trip was over we sent our first four American students to Vela Luka for a visit.
In September we welcomed 34 performers from Vela Luka (and one that lives in
I ask you all to prepare for some FUNdraising activities in 2007.
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Kisakata
By Cora Lijek, Kisakata ASCA Chair
On Thursday, July 27, twelve students (Erin Dolan, Dana Garrett, Jenny Ives, Maika Mattson, Kirsten Mullen, Bettina Patterson, Jillian Whitney, Michael Giacalone, David Jonas, Zach Purcer, Anders Rodin, Schlegel), four chaperones (Cora, Kecia Fox, Dawn Greenfield, Rob MacKay) and six adult travelers (Judy Cohn, Sam Gebala, Brian Geer, Elaine Oliphant, David Rapella, Joy Walter) headed for
After a very restful and pleasant overnight stay in
While in
The Mayor presented gifts from the City to each of the adult visitors. The group also visited the middle school, where the students were busy in their various clubs, including kendo, basketball, art, softball, etc. Our students performed a "foot dance" to "Footloose." Zach and Anders gave a juggling demonstration, and Kirsten sang a beautiful old Negro spiritual song. A school music group sang several songs for us.
On August 3, our students, students from
After the speeches, a monument was unveiled by Mayor Yokoyama, Councilman Brian Geer, and students Erin Dolan and Hatsumi Sato. The monument consists of two leaves holding a rainbow, representing the bridge between our two cities, and is inscribed with messages from Mayor Yokoyama and Mayor Maxwell.
The group also spent some time at the beach where the water was warm, and visited local sites including the
We also visited
The Kisakata Committee is now processing middle school student applications for the next student exchange to begin in January. About 20 applications have been received, so the Committee will have a big job selecting the 12 students who will participate in the exchange. Interviews will be held on December 3 at the library.
Secretary
By Jo Fuqua ASCA Secretary
IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE! Our December "meeting' will be a Holiday Dinner on December 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the
There will be fundraising items available for sale, including our ASCA Cookbooks, Kumpanija T-shirts, Klapa CDs, Kumpanija DVDs, as well as Croatian ornaments and goodies. Any of these items would make a great Christmas present.
Diane Davidson, Our Membership Chairperson, will be accepting membership fees for 2007. It is important to collect them early so an appropriate budget can be developed early in the year. As a reminder, here are the membership categories:
One time only (for life):
Patron, Individual, $300;
Patron, Family, $500.
Annual memberships include the following:
Individual Sustaining* $85;
Family Sustaining,* $150;
Individual, $25;
Family, $35; Youth (to 21) $15;
Organization, $35;
Business, $50.
*Sustaining members and Patrons can enjoy ASCA meals without paying the $5 fee.
Lose Your Coat?
Someone left their gray, size LG SPEEDO coat at the November 2 ASCA general membership meeting. I have it, and whoever owns it needs it. Please email me and let me know if it is yours....Jo fuqua4@comeast.net
Membership
Diane Davidson, ASCA Membership Chair
Hello ASCA Members! This is the time to renew our dues; we hope you will be joining us for another exciting year! I will be collecting dues at our December, January & February meetings...the deadline for payment is February 15th. Your prompt payment helps us in planning our budget for next year's activities; thanks for your help in meeting our deadline!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
Croatian Holiday Items are on sale:
Ornaments $10
Kumpanija T-Shirts $15
Klapa Vela Luka CD's $20
Kumpanija Brodniak Show DVD $15
Chocolate Bars $4
Cookies $6
New Years Eve 2006 December 31st at the Depot.
$30.adults. A delicious menu, Croatian entertainment, dancing & absolute FUN!
March 17th- St Josephs Day. Sveti Josipa is the patron Saint to our sister city of
We will celebrate this day with dinner, dancing & live Croatian entertainment.
Trip to Lomonosov & Vela Luka September 2007- Call Nikki 293-8530 for details
SEE YOU AT THE DINNER. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Next Membership Meeting
Thursday, December 7
6:30 p.m.,
(Reservations required)